Monthly Archives: September 2010

TIFF 2010 | Glückliche Fügung (Blessed Events)

On the second night of my TIFF adventures, I switched from French to German cinema. Unfortunately, I’m not too familiar (as much as I’d like to) with the German style of movie-making. Based on the very few I’ve seen, however, they seem to follow the same pattern: minimal and pure, with a bit of uncertainty and twist.

“Blessed Events” is another one of them. It has a simple storyline based on a short story with the same name, about an insecure and shy lady in her 30s who faces a new life with a man from whom she got pregnant after a one-night stand. The movie is slow (well, especially compared to the previous two on my TIFF list), yet an interesting one. I also had the privilege to be part of the world premiere screening with the director and the lead actress who performed a great job presenting the movie there. They both seemed really proud of the end product, which took them approximately four years to finish.

Would I consider it one of my all-time favorite movies? No. Was it different and worth watching? Hell, yes.

S

TIFF 2010 | Les Petits Mouchoirs (Little White Lies)

Yes, my French marathon at this year’s festival continued by watching my beloved Mr. Canet‘s movie “Les Petits Mouchoirs“.

Before I go any further, may I say something? Does Marion Cotillard even know how NOT to act well? Indeed, she showed her marvelous talent by performing beautifully in this absolutely appealing drama.

The movie starts with a shocking scene, followed by an annual reunion vacation of a group of friends with many different personalities. Their individual characters (one happily married, one single but confused, one struggling with a past relationship, etc.), their ties of loyalty, the dialogues between them, and their convictions not only make you feel you are part of them, but also urges you to continuously watch them in wonderment – despite the fact that some reviews criticized the length of the movie.

“Les Petits Mouchoirs” made me laugh, made me cry, made me feel lovely and in love with each and every character.

S

TIFF 2010 | L’homme qui voulait vivre sa vie (The Big Picture)‏

What could be better to start off the festival with than a beautiful French film – L’homme qui voulait vivre sa vie – that was not only screened for an actual audience for the very first time, but a piece that blew my mind away with everything a movie possibly could: the story (a European-style thriller), the direction, the breathtaking scenery, and last but not least the amazing acting by Romain Duris, who happened to be present at the screening along with the director, Éric Lartigau.

Yes, the whole gang were there at the theatre last night for both the introduction part and the post-screening Q&A session. Mr. Lartigau was extremely excited to have his “fucking great movie” (his words, not mine!) shown at the TIFF.

The movie starts with a baby crying and Beck’s brilliant music in the background. It’s an intense thriller which flawlessly potraits an exceptional photographer on the run. No more spoilers in case anyone is still waiting to see it!

Definitely happy with my choice to start the festival.

S

*Overwhelmed*

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with all sorts of things – tiny and huge – happening around you from the time you open your eyes in early hours of the day till you close them again? Not to mention that the feeling is often haunting you in your dreams. This is when calm breathing should take place, together with an inner-voice reminding you to shut off that thought cycle and have you repeat over and over again: “hey, I’m healthy!”

Now, my marathon at this year’s TIFF is about to start this evening with two back-to-back films from the French cinema.

I’ll be back with more culture-related updates – hopefully soon!

S

TIFF 2010 | Kick-Off

Here we are again…

Yes, it’s that time of the year – the 35th Toronto International Film Festival is kicking off today with a great deal of films worth watching from around the world.

The following ten days won’t be any different than previous years to me — my very own journey down the path of cinematic culture (!) continues, as I update my dear movie-loving readers with my TIFF experience and the films I am lucky enough to watch.

So stay tuned and be fabulous!

S